Photo: (L) Byron Brown, mayor of Buffalo, New York, paying tribute to the late Dr Charles Anderson. (R) ANDERSON… was buried in New York on Monday.

NEW YORK, USA — Doctor Charles L Anderson Sr, an iconic figure within the Jamaica community here who died on October 28, was buried on Monday following a thanksgiving service at the Bethel AME Episcopal Church of Buffalo.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Buffalo’s Mayor Byron Brown, and Rick Nugent, who heads the National Association Of Jamaica and Supportive Organisations (NAJASO), were among those who paid tribute to the late medical practitioner.

For more than four decades Anderson, who grew up in the deep rural district of Mt Regale in St Mary, single-handedly transformed the Jamaican community here into a cohesive and effective force through a number of initiatives. He also formed several organisations which he used to improve and advance the social and economic conditions of his countrymen.

In her tribute, which was delivered by Jamaica’s Counsul General to New York Herman LaMont, Simpson Miller described Dr Anderson as “one of those Jamaicans who never cut the umbiblical cord behind them”.

She noted that her own constituency “had benefited from Dr Anderson’s work” as he led several teams of health professionals from Help Jamaica Medical Mission — one of the organisations he founded — to offer free health care services to hundreds of needy Jamaicans over a number years.

Brown, in the meantime, declared in a mayoral proclamation honouring Anderson that beginning next year, November 9, “will be celebrated as Dr Charles L Anderson Sr Day in Buffalo”.

Anderson, who already has a street named in his honour, was also lauded in a resolution recognising his work by the Maryland State Senate and a Citation by the New York State Assembly.

Dr Anderson co-founded The Medical Group of Western New York, a minority multi-speciality private practice, and was also medical director of Drug Dependency Services of Buffalo.

He developed two medical programmes using the service, which have been used extensively throughout New York State to meet the complete medical, emotional and psychological needs of alcohol and chemically addicted individuals.

Dr Anderson, who gained his medical degree from the University of Buffalo’s medical school, will best be remembered by Jamaicans for medical progammes implemented through Help Jamaica Medical Mission, National Medical Association of Buffalo,the Caribbean Medical Mission, and efforts at promoting trade and tourism through NAJASO.

Jamaica Labour Party Councillor Devon Wint, who represents the the Point Hill Division of the St Catherine Parish Council, was among those who attended the funeral service.

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Photo: Gene Dawkins, principal of Friendship All-Age School in Westmoreland, welcomes Dr. Charles Anderson of Caribbean Medical Mission during a cocktail reception at Travellers Beach Resort on Tuesday. In the background are, from left, Doctors Rudolph Willis, Robert Clarke and Berman Saunders.

DR. CHARLES L. Anderson, seventh NAJASO Chairman, (1995-1997) succumbed to a stroke on October 28, 2015. Dr. Anderson was from the town of Mt. Regale, in the parish of St. Mary, Jamaica.

Dr. Anderson held a degree in Family Medicine from SUNY, Buffalo. During his early research years, he conducted extensive immunology research which has been published in the Journal of Immunology. As cofounder of Medical Group of Western New York, a multi-speciality private practice that was located on Washington Street in Buffalo.

This practice made it easy for patients to have their healthcare provided on a single campus. The mini-medical campus was the forerunner to the Medical Corridor and Washington St. has been aptly designated Dr. Charles L. Anderson, Sr. Way.

Dr. Anderson was the Medical Director of Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services of Buffalo for 36 years from 1976 to 2009 developing two medical programmes that have been used extensively throughout New York State.

The protocols used a medically supervised program to meet the complete medical and mental needs of indigent alcohol and chemically addicted clients.

These two programmes helped reduce the ever-revolving hospital emergency room visits, thus decreasing the prohibitive costs to the hospitals, the state and other service agencies.

This doctor has worked diligently in community service in Buffalo and abroad. He is one of the original members of B.U.I.L.D. Buffalo (Build, Unity, Independence, Liberty, and Dignity) www.buildofbuffalo.org and served as area Vice President from 1968-1969.

Dr. Anderson is the co-founder of Project Respect and the National Medical Association, Buffalo Chapter. As a member of Caribbean Medical Mission and HELP Jamaica Medical Mission, he has provided free medical care throughout the Caribbean. Dr. Anderson was most recently honoured with NAJASO’s Presidents Award at the NAJASO 38th Annual Convention and Awards Banquet held in July 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. Anderson was the Chairman of the Board of the Jamaican and American Association of Buffalo (www.jaab.org), a member organisation of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO). He was also Chair of NAJASO’s Health Mission and licensed to practice medicine in his beloved Jamaica. Dr. Anderson has received numerous awards and honours. Among his awards is a Paul Harris Fellow Medal from the Rotary Foundation
of Rotary International.

Photo: (From left): Dr. Cooper, anesthetist; Dr. Richard Constable; Nurse Kettle, surgical assistant Simpson, and Dr. Neville Graham

THE NATIONAL Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations’ (NAJASO) Help JA Medical Mission team conducted its most recent medical mission to Jamaica September 9-20, serving more than 2000 residents in Red Pond, Point Hill, Kitson Town, Central Village and nearby locations in St. Catherine.

The New Jersey-based organisation has been providing free quality health care services in Jamaica for the past 16 years to those that are in dire need of health care services. The Help JA Medical Mission team has served many thousands of Jamaicans over the years with its team of Doctors, Nurses and medical practitioners that make the trip each year to deliver their services.

Co-Founder Dr. Robert Clarke stated, “We treated persons with eye disease, heart problems, diabetes, hypertension, and other illnesses.” The team of twenty doctors worked diligently to provide these much needed services to a large number of very appreciative patients, free of charge.

An isolated and heart-warming outcome of the mission occurred with the unplanned surgery on the Medical Mission bus driver by NAJASO Board Chairman Dr. Richard Constable.

The driver disclosed his herniated condition to Dr. Constable who in turn offered to help.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Arrangements were made and the patient was taken to Winchester Surgical and Medical Institute (WSMI) in Kingston where Dr. Constable and Dr. Neville Graham performed the needed surgical procedure to a very grateful patient, at no cost.

According to mission director, Dr. Rudolph Willis, the prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller is the inspiration for the annual medical mission to Jamaica. While serving as Minister of Labour and Social Security in 2005, Simpson-Miller met with members of the HELP JA medical team who were looking for ways to serve Jamaica better. “We asked her what we can do to help our country and she came up with the idea that since we are physicians and health care personnel, we could give back to the Health care system in Jamaica,” said Willis.

The JA Medical Mission team also holds four fundraisers each year in order to gain the funds necessary to conduct the medical missions. The fundraisers include a raffle, a popular boat ride in June, an all-you-caneat picnic bash which is a family event in a country setting, and an annual Black Tie Affair which was held on October 31, 2015, at the Hanover Manor 16 Eagle Rock Ave. East Hanover, New Jersey.

At a previous Black Tie fundraising event the prime minister lauded the work of NAJASO and the HELP Jamaica Medical Mission team noting that the medical team is a “true friend and valuable partner in assisting those who are less fortunate”

The patient spared the expense of the operation, the procedure performed as it was in a timely manner, lifted a tremendous emotional burden from the patient and certainly avoided the potential of future complications from his condition. Services to the many patients who are recipients of the HELP JA Medical mission contributions go a long way in screening and preventing medical situations that could have become much worse.

Photo: Leslie Perry (centre), former WISC president was honored at the “One Hundred Men of Color” Black Tie Gala held in Hartford, Ct. at the Bushnell Auditorium on October 23, 2015. In photo with Perry, from left is Veronica Airey-Wilson, former Hartford Deputy mayor and former WISC president and former “One Hundred Women of Color”honoree, Mrs. Leslie Perry and daughter Miriama. The Black Tie event honors men of color from the Connecticut and Massachusetts region who have been active as community leaders and inspirational role models for our youth and young adults.

IN MEMORY OF DR. CHARLES L. ANDERSON, SR. – NAJASO FOUNDING MEMBER
Dr. Anderson passed away on October 28, 2015

Funeral Details for Dr. Charles L. Anderson, Sr. MD

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
1525 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14207

Wake: November 8, 2015 (4-7pm)
Celebration Service: November 9, 2015 at 11:00am

Condolences and expression of sympathy may be sent to Anderson family:
Beverly Morrison
72 Four Seasons Road West
Amherst, NY 14226

Sunday, August 02, 2015

Photo: Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson (second right) accepts the Lignum Vitae Award from Ricardo Nugent, President of NAJASO, in recognition of his distinguished service to Jamaica. Looking on from left are NAJASO members Veita Dennis and Carol Williams.

Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson was the recipient of the National Association of Jamaica and Supportive Organization’s (NAJASO) Lignum Vitae Award during the 38th Annual Convention Banquet and Awards Presentation held Saturday, July 18 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

The Lignum Vitae Award is an annual award that is given to members or non-members of NAJASO who have served in a leadership role benefiting Jamaica.

Dr Ferguson, who received the highest award given by the organisation, was among the additional four to receive awards in the categories of Life Achievement, Outstanding Service, and Outreach Service.

Candidates were considered on the basis of extraordinary effort, leadership, professional skills, support, contributions, patriotic and economical development of Jamaica.

Dr Ferguson said: “as a founding member of the organisation, National Association of Jamaica and Supportive Organization (NAJASO) remains true to its goals as the philanthropic work done over the years have positively impacted thousands of Jamaicans”.

Traditionally, NAJASO recognises its members, business partners, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders for outstanding leadership, professional skills, management training and volunteerism and has been providing support to Jamaicans particularly in the fields of health and education since its inception in 1977.

The Annual Convention was held July 16-18, 2015 under the theme “NAJASO – Building a Sustainable Future”.

LIGNUM VITAE AWARD

Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson (second right) accepts the Lignum Vitae Award from Ricardo Nugent, President of NAJASO, in recognition of his distinguished service to Jamaica. Looking on from left are NAJASO members Veita Dennis, and Carol Williams.

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Photo: Mr. Earl Jarrett
NAJASO Outstanding Service Award 2015

The National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) held its 38th Annual Convention July 16-18, 2015 in Cleveland Ohio, USA. Featured Speakers for the conference were:
Mr. Earl Jarrett, General Manager, Jamaica National Building Society at the Welcome Reception and the Honourable Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Minister of Health, Jamaica at the Dinner & Awards Banquet. The Reception was well attended and the dinner & awards banquet had an attendance of approximately 200. Mr. Jarrett built his discussion around the conferences theme “Building a Sustainable Future” and addressed the audience from the perspective of a “family talk” on economic growth and development for Jamaica.

Minister Ferguson is a Founding Member of NAJASO under the Progressive International Cultural Organization (PICO), where in 1977 he was a student at Howard University in Washington, DC. The Minister spoke of NAJASO’s contributions in Health as well as Education, and praised NAJASO for its leadership in supporting Jamaica over the past 38 years. He discussed current and future initiatives to further improve and develop health sectors in the country.

NAJASO also conducted bi-annual elections for its National officers.

AWARD WINNERS
The Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Minister of Health Jamaica CD, DDS, FICD, MP – LIGNUM VITAE AWARD
The Reverend Dr. Jeremiah B. Pryce, Founding Pastor, Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church – LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Mr. Earl Jarrett, CD, Hons. LL.D, JP, General Manager, Jamaica National Building Society – OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD
Mrs. Beryl Gray, Former NAJASO Vice President, Mid-West Region – OUTREACH SERVICE AWARD
Ms. Margaret Rose Lanam, Administrator/Director Patient Care Services for Angeles Vista Hospice – OUTREACH AWARD

Pictured from L-R:   Ambassador Courtenay Rattray, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations and recipient of NAJASO’s Lignum Vitae Award,. Dr. Richard E. Constable, NAJASO Chairman, Mr. Ricardo Nugent, NAJASO President.

The National Organization of Jamaican Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) held its 37^th Annual Convention July 17-19-2014 at the Sheraton Hotel, College Park North, Beltsville, Maryland. Ms. Carol Williams served as Convention Chair , the host Organizations , Jamaican Association of Maryland and Jamaica National Association.

NAJASO is the umbrella organization for Jamaican and Supportive Organizations worldwide and has a long history of supporting and providing humanitarian services (i.e. educational, health) and business development opportunities to West Indian communities in the U.S. and the homeland.

The year 2014 theme was “Transition with a Vision” featured presentations and workshops in Workforce Development, Business, Health, Immigration and Education. The convention’s Keynote Speaker for the Banquet and Awards presentation on Saturday evening (July 19^th ) was the Honorable Dr. Stephen Vasciannie, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States.

NAJASO was officially incorporated in 1977 and is the brainchild of then senator and Jamaica’s fourth Ambassador to the U.S., Alfred Rattray. Of the five awards presented at the Awards Banquet, NAJASO’s Lignum Vitae award went to Jamaica’s current Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations, Courtney Rattray. Ambassador Courtenay Rattray is the nephew of former U.S. Ambassador Alfred Rattray. Other award recipients were: Founder of New York Caribe News, Dr. Karl Rodney and President of the Council of Caribbean Organisations, Leopold Edwards both received the Outreach Service Award; former Jamaican Consul General to New York, Ambassador Dr. Basil Bryan received the National Convention Chairman Award; and former Jamaican Olympian Albert Lawrence received the NAJASO Presidential Award.

Consul General Herman G. LaMont of New York was on hand as the keynote speaker for the Opening ceremony and reception on Thursday, July 17^th. He spoke at length about NAJASO’s history and the organizations’ contributions to Jamaica. He expressed the vision he saw materializing in NAJASO as an organization continuing to transform itself to meet the needs and demands within a changing society and a dynamic and evolving global economy.

On Friday July 18^th , the Business Forum kicked off its featured presentation of Workforce Development for the Jamaica Logistics Hub. The moderator was Mr. B. Roy Davidson, Immediate Past President – NAJASO. The presentation was made by, Mr. Mark Milward, (President & CEO Milward & Assoc. Int’l). Mr. Milward who is also an engineer and efficiency expert with the US Navy, is a member of the WISC. He has been working with the Jamaican government in an effort to provide technical and leadership training in workforce and skillset development that adhere to International Standards Organization (ISO) requirements. The Jamaica Logistics Hub initiative is a project that can potentially move the country on a path of a continuous positive economic growth trend. As the Panama Canal begins to accommodate increased cargo flows starting in April 2015, Jamaica is positioning itself to service this increase in goods flowing through the Canal by providing the facilities, logistics transport, material handling, technology and workforce that can handle the increase in traffic. A dramatic increase in job growth and business investment opportunities is currently being realized in Jamaica and much more is anticipated. Many in attendance were hearing details about the Jamaica Logistics Hub initiative for the first time.

The Health Symposium featured a panel discussion on ‘Childhood Obesity’ and was moderated by Dr. Charles Anderson , NAJASO’s Health Committee Chair, other Panelists including Dr. Robert Clarke (Prenatal & Endocrine Care effects on Newborn Obesity/Cardiovascular effects on Childhood Obesity, Dr. Rudolph Willis, NAJASO’s Health Committee Co-Chair, (Chemical & Nutritional effects on Childhood Obesity), Dr. Richard Constable, NAJASO’s Board Chairman (Surgical problems regarding Childhood Obesity), Dr. Gary Rhule (Stress Management and Childhood Obesity). Dr. Rhule is a WISC member and author; Rhule, G. (2014) Sailing on Broken Pieces. New York. Morgan Stanley Publishing.

The Education Seminar topic covered “The Future of the Academic Enterprise & the Institutional Transformation Necessary.” The Education Chair; Dr. Joseph Whittaker – Prof. Morgan State University; Moderator: Dr. Frank Trocki, ED.D; Panelists; Dr. Benita Bell – NASA Scientist, Dr. Wayne A. Rose. Baltimore & Howard County Community Colleges; Dr. Mortimer H, Neufville – President Coppin State University.

The featured speaker for the afternoon Luncheon on July 18^th was former Jamaican Ambassador, the Hon. Dr. Richard L. Bernal, OJ. Dr. Bernal was educated at the University of the West Indies, University of Pennsylvania, the New School for Social Research and the School for Advanced International Studies of John Hopkins. He is a professional economist with over 30 years’ experience and presently serves as Consul for Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo, Washington, D.C. Dr. Bernal discussed his newly released book, Bernal, R. L. (2014) Dragon in the Caribbean: China’s Global Re-Dimensioning Challenges and Opportunities for the Caribbean. Kingston. Ian Randle. This was an extraordinary talk about China’s growing presence in the region and their interest and participation in the development of the Jamaica Logistics Hub and the Global supply chain.

Ambassador Dr. Basil K. Bryan who served as Jamaica’s Consul General to New York from April 1998 to September 2007 rounded out NAJASO’s afternoon Business Forum discussion with a presentation on his book, Bryan, B. K. (2013) The Jamaicans: Children of God in the Promised Land. Colorado. Outskirts Press.

The moderator was Dr. Relva Buchannan and other presenters were Mr. Devon Harris, Motivational Speaker (Former member of Jamaican Bobsled Team) and Mr. Gary Robinson – Cornerstone Jamaica.

Ambassador Curtiss Ward, Esq. covered the topic of Immigration. The moderator for that segment was Mr. Earl Mitchell – Parliamentarian, NAJASO. Ambassador Ward also did an outstanding job as the Master of Ceremony for the Saturday evening Banquet and Awards Presentation. Entertainment was provided by the Image Band, Danny P International and a performance by Caribbean American Dance Company. It was an evening of fun and excitement.

NAJASO President, Ricardo Nugent discussed the organizations 37 year existence, the challenges that lie ahead, and the work that must continue to help our less fortune brothers and sisters. He challenged the NAJASO member organizations to recommit themselves to the principles and mission of NAJASO. Mr. Nugent articulated the theme: ‘Transition with a Vision’ and that the organization remains committed to attracting new investments in Jamaica and continuing to provide educational and health support in addition to other NAJASO outreach programs.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, The Most Honorable Portia Simpson- Miller has praised NAJASO for the outstanding work it continues to provide on behalf of Jamaica. “I am particularly pleased at the association’s efforts to channel the much needed humanitarian assistance and the promotion of trade and business opportunities that have benefitted Jamaica,” she stated. As a point of notation, the Help Jamaica Medical Mission led by NAJASO Chairman, Dr. Richard Constable, Dr. Rudolph Willis, Dr. Charles Anderson and Dr. Robert Clark is spearheading a medical mission to Jamaica September 9 – 21, 2014 to dispense medications and provide physical examinations to many needy patients, free of cost.

US Ambassador Stephen Vasciannie also praised past and current members of NAJASO who have dedicated their time, energy and support to Jamaica over the years. His statement reads, “Your organization should take pride in the fact that through visionary leadership and strong membership support, you will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

All have acknowledged the work ahead stemming from the convention theme (Transition with a Vision) which is aimed at galvanizing the organization to move forward with renewed vigor towards the accomplishment of its mission and mandate.